US20110233950A1 - Hole plug - Google Patents
Hole plug Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20110233950A1 US20110233950A1 US12/998,290 US99829009A US2011233950A1 US 20110233950 A1 US20110233950 A1 US 20110233950A1 US 99829009 A US99829009 A US 99829009A US 2011233950 A1 US2011233950 A1 US 2011233950A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- hole
- hole plug
- wall
- leg portion
- locking claw
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 210000000078 claw Anatomy 0.000 claims abstract description 57
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 15
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 15
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 8
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000003405 preventing effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007689 inspection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- -1 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920003002 synthetic resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000000057 synthetic resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920005992 thermoplastic resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D25/00—Superstructure or monocoque structure sub-units; Parts or details thereof not otherwise provided for
- B62D25/24—Superstructure sub-units with access or drainage openings having movable or removable closures; Sealing means therefor
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R16/00—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for
- B60R16/02—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R16/00—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for
- B60R16/02—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements
- B60R16/0207—Wire harnesses
- B60R16/0215—Protecting, fastening and routing means therefor
- B60R16/0222—Grommets
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D25/00—Superstructure or monocoque structure sub-units; Parts or details thereof not otherwise provided for
- B62D25/20—Floors or bottom sub-units
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B37/00—Nuts or like thread-engaging members
- F16B37/14—Cap nuts; Nut caps or bolt caps
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16J—PISTONS; CYLINDERS; SEALINGS
- F16J13/00—Covers or similar closure members for pressure vessels in general
- F16J13/02—Detachable closure members; Means for tightening closures
- F16J13/14—Detachable closure members; Means for tightening closures attached exclusively by spring action or elastic action
Definitions
- the invention relates to a hole plug for blocking a hole provided in a plate-like member, such as a body panel of an automobile and the like.
- holes which are used for operation and inspection, wiring of wire harnesses and the like, attachment of members and the like, are provided. These holes are generally blocked by a resin hole plug in order to prevent water and the like from entering when they are not in use.
- a resin hole plug various technologies have been developed for the purpose of placing workability, an improvement of water stop (waterproof) ability, or the like.
- the hole plug is provided with a blind hole in a center, and also includes an insertion portion wherein locking claws locked in an attachment hole are provided on a whole outer circumference, and a non-insertion portion connected to an upper end of this insertion portion.
- the insertion portion includes an annular arc-like groove provided on a circumferential border of the non-insertion portion, and in the arc-like groove, dividing wall portions extending along a radial direction disposed in a circumferential direction with a predetermined interval, are provided (see Patent Document 1).
- a hole plug comprising a head portion and a leg portion projected from a rear surface of this head portion and inserted into the hole of the plate-like member.
- the leg portion is formed so as to have a tube shape by plural standing plates which are plate-like and respectively stand up from the rear surface of the head portion, and on a base end portion of each standing plate portion, an engaging step portion, which clamps a circumferential border portion of the hole of the plate-like member in cooperation with the head portion, is formed.
- a supporting portion comprising a wave-like plate material controlling flexure to the inward of a radial direction thereof, is provided (see Patent Document 2).
- the dividing wall portion provided in the arc-like groove operates as a rib, so that at a time of attachment of the hole plug, an excessive deformation of the insertion portion is prevented. Also, after the attachment, a high pullout force (retaining force for preventing the hole plug from coming out of the hole) is achieved, and there is an advantage that a water stop ability is improved by closely contacting the insertion portion with the attachment hole.
- the above-mentioned dividing wall portion is provided in a linear fashion along a radial direction of the hole plug, the locking claw around the dividing wall portion is difficult to be deformed inwardly.
- the supporting portion (which corresponds to the above-mentioned dividing wall portion) comprises the wave-like plate material, due to a spring ability of this plate material, when the mold is pulled out by a force, a flexure force heading to the inward of the radial direction can be controlled, so that there is an advantage that the locking claw is protected.
- the wave-like supporting portion in order to fulfill a function thereof, it is necessary for the wave-like supporting portion to be ensured so as to have a relatively large size in a longitudinal direction.
- the standing plate portion closely contacting an inner circumferential surface of the hole of the plate-like member, has a structure of being disposed with plural numbers at a predetermined interval in a circumferential direction, so that there was a problem that ensuring a high water stop ability was difficult.
- the present invention is made by considering the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a hole plug in which while a high pullout force is being achieved, when a molded article is demolded from the mold, a load on the locking claws can be reduced.
- the first invention is a hole plug ( 1 ) comprising a head portion ( 2 ), and a leg portion ( 3 ) projected from the head portion, and blocking a hole ( 22 ) provided in a plate-like member ( 21 ) by inserting the above-mentioned leg portion into the hole.
- the above-mentioned leg portion includes a first wall ( 11 ), a second wall ( 12 ) facing the above-mentioned first wall, a rib ( 15 ) interconnecting the above-mentioned first wall and the above-mentioned second wall, and a locking claw ( 14 ) provided on an outer circumferential surface of the above-mentioned second wall, and locked on a circumferential border of the hole when the above-mentioned leg portion is inserted into the above-mentioned hole.
- the above-mentioned rib is disposed corresponding to a position of the above-mentioned locking claw, and in a case of being viewed from an insertion direction of the above-mentioned leg portion, the rib is structured so as to be tilted relative to a direction heading to a center of the above-mentioned locking claw from a center of the hole plug.
- the above-mentioned rib in the case of being viewed from the insertion direction of the above-mentioned leg portion, can be structured so as to be connected relative to the above-mentioned second wall at a position which is offset from the center of the above-mentioned locking claw.
- the above-mentioned first wall is connected to the above-mentioned head portion at one end side thereof, and also is connected to the above-mentioned second wall at the other end side thereof.
- the above-mentioned second wall can be structured so as to have a tube shape.
- a flange portion ( 4 ) which is connected to an upper portion of the above-mentioned second wall, and abuts against the above-mentioned plate-like member when the above-mentioned leg portion is inserted into the above-mentioned hole, can be further provided.
- the rib interconnecting the first wall and the above-mentioned second wall is provided so as to be tilted relative to the direction heading to the center of the locking claw from the center of the hole plug when the rib is viewed from the insertion direction of the leg portion. Accordingly, while a high pullout force of the hole plug is being achieved, a load on the locking claw when the hole plug is demolded from a mold can be reduced. Also, since the rib is easily elastically deformed relative to a pressing force from a locking claw side, there is an advantage that damages on the rib itself can be prevented.
- the locking claw can be easily displaced to an inside (rib side), and loads on the locking claw and the rib when the hole plug is demolded from the mold can be reduced further effectively.
- the outer circumferential surface of the second wall can be closely contacted with an inner circumferential surface of the hole, and a high water stop ability of the hole plug can be achieved.
- the water stop ability of the hole plug can be enhanced further effectively.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hole plug according to the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view when the hole plug in FIG. 1 is viewed from a lower side.
- FIG. 3 is a plan view of the hole plug.
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line IV-IV in FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view showing a detailed structure of a locking claw and a rib of the hole plug.
- FIGS. 6(A) , 6 (B) are schematic cross-sectional views showing conditions wherein the hole plug is placed in a body panel.
- FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a rough structure of a mold when the hole plug is molded.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 are respectively perspective views wherein the hole plug according to the present invention is viewed from the upper side and the lower side;
- FIG. 3 is a plan view of the hole plug;
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line IV-IV in FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view showing a detailed structure of a locking claw and a rib.
- FIG. 5 shows a structure in a case where the hole plug is viewed from the lower side.
- the hole plug 1 is used for blocking a hole 22 (see FIGS. 6(A) , 6 (B)) provided in a body panel (plate-like member) 21 of an automobile, and comprises a head portion 2 having a circular flat plate; a leg portion 3 projected downward from a circumferential border of this head portion 2 ; and a flange portion 4 extending obliquely downward from a circumferential border of this leg portion 3 .
- Each of the portions 2 to 4 is integrally formed by a synthetic resin material.
- the leg portion 3 includes an inner tube (first wall) 11 connected to a lower surface of the head portion 2 ; and an outer tube (second wall) 12 surrounding this inner tube 11 .
- the inner tube 11 and the outer tube 12 have an approximately cylindrical shape, and lower end portions of both the inner tube 11 and the outer tube 12 are connected.
- the leg portion 3 includes an approximately U-shaped cross-sectional surface, and an annular groove 13 is formed around the head portion 2 .
- a size of an outer diameter of the outer tube 12 is set based on a diameter of a hole wherein the leg portion 3 is inserted.
- locking claws 14 which are locked in a circumferential border of the hole 22 thereof when the hole plug 1 is inserted into the hole 22 (see FIGS. 6(A) , 6 (B)), are projected.
- the locking claws 14 are disposed with plural numbers (here, five) in a circumferential direction with an approximately equal interval.
- ribs 15 interconnecting an outer circumferential surface of the inner tube 11 and an inner circumferential surface of the outer tube 12 are provided with plural numbers (here, five).
- Each rib 15 is disposed corresponding to a position of each locking claw 14 , and also as shown in FIG. 5 , the rib 15 is connected to a rear side of a position wherein the locking claw 14 is projected relative to the outer tube 12 .
- a center line A thereof is provided in such a way as to be tilted relative to an axis line Q (a radial direction) heading to a center P of the locking claw 14 from a center O of the hole plug 1 .
- an angle ⁇ showing the degree of a tilt of the rib 15 is set at 45°.
- a center B of each rib 15 is connected relative to the outer tube at a position which is offset to one side of a circumferential direction from the center P of the locking claw 14 .
- an inner circumferential border is connected to an upper end border of the outer tube 12 , and when the leg portion 3 is inserted into the hole 22 (see FIGS. 6(A) , 6 (B)) of the body panel 21 , an end portion (outer circumferential border) thereof abuts against a surface of the body panel 21 .
- FIGS. 6(A) , 6 (B) are schematic cross-sectional views showing conditions wherein the hole plug is placed in the body panel.
- a user inserts the leg portion 3 of the hole plug 1 into the hole 22 provided in the body panel 21 .
- the maximum outer diameter (based on a standard of an end of the locking claw 14 ) of the outer tube 12 is set larger than a diameter of the hole 22 .
- each locking claw 14 is pressed inwardly by an inner circumferential surface of the hole 22 .
- a lower portion side thereof is elastically deformed, and displaced to the inside, so that the leg portion 3 is inserted into the hole 22 .
- the rib 15 supporting the locking claw 14 from the rear side (inside) is provided so as to be tilted relative to the radial direction, so that when the locking claw is pressed, the rib 15 is easily elastically deformed.
- a width (distance between the inner tube 11 and the outer tube 12 ) of the annular groove 13 is relatively small, a necessary displacement amount of the leg portion 3 (the locking claw 14 and a surrounding portion thereof) can be ensured.
- a predetermined clearance an area G where the rib 15 does not exist
- the leg portion 3 When the leg portion 3 is inserted up to a predetermined position and the placement of the hole plug 1 is completed, as shown in FIG. 6(B) , the leg portion 3 returns to an approximately original state from a deformation state of FIG. 6(A) , and comes to a state wherein the locking claw 14 is locked in a circumferential border portion (here, an end face 21 a of the body panel 21 ) of the hole 22 . At this time, due to an elastic returning force of the rib 15 , the outer circumferential surface of the outer tube 12 bumps into the inner circumferential surface of the hole 22 . Thereby, a user can obtain an excellent control quality, so that placing workability improves, and also, a high pullout force is achieved.
- the outer tube 12 comes to a state wherein the outer circumferential surface of the outer tube 12 is firmly attached to the inner circumferential surface of the hole 22 , so that an excellent water stop ability can be obtained.
- thickness of the inner tube 11 is set relatively large, and the thickness of the outer tube 12 is set relatively small.
- the flange portion 4 includes a cross-sectional surface whose end becomes thin toward the outside, so that an end (free end) side thereof easily deforms elastically along the upper surface 21 b of the body panel 21 . Thereby, a contacting area with the upper surface 21 b increases, so that a high attaching ability (i.e., water stop ability) can be obtained.
- FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a rough structure of a mold when the hole plug is molded.
- the hole plug is integrally formed by injecting well-known thermoplastic resin (polyethylene and the like) into the inside of a cavity C of a mold 31 in accordance with a well-known method.
- the hole plug is structured such that the rib is tilted relative to the radial direction, so that when a molded article thereof is demolded from the mold 31 by force, the locking claw in the outer tube and the surrounding portion thereof are easily displaced to the inside, and a load (shear force and the like) wherein the locking claw receives is reduced. Thereby, damages on the locking claw at a molding time can be prevented.
- the rib is easily elastically deformed relative to a pressing force from a locking claw side, damages on the rib itself can be prevented.
- the rib is constituted so as to be connected relative to the outer tube at the position which is offset from the center of the locking claw, so that at a time of being pulled out by force, the further large displacement amounts of the locking claw and the surrounding portion thereof can be ensured. Accordingly, there is an advantage that a load in which the locking claw and the rib receive is effectively reduced.
- a damage preventing effect of the locking claw at the above-mentioned time of being demolded from the mold is obtained in the same manner even when the hole plug, which has been once placed in the hole of the body panel, is removed.
- the hole plug with the above-mentioned structure can maintain an excellent placing ability even when the hole plug is reused (a locking force never decline due to the damages on the locking claw and the like).
- the embodiment is only an illustrated example and is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment.
- the other shapes, numerical quantities, dispositions and the like can be variously modified.
- two walls (the inner tube 11 and the outer tube 12 in the embodiment) wherein the rib interconnects are not necessarily required to be a tube shape.
- a placing subject is not limited to the hole on the above-mentioned body panel, and can be a hole provided in an optional plate-like member.
- the circumferential border portion of the hole where the locking claw is locked includes an L-shaped cross-sectional surface.
- plate thickness of the body panel may be structured so as to be increased to a degree in which the locking claw can be locked.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Insertion Pins And Rivets (AREA)
- Connection Of Plates (AREA)
- Body Structure For Vehicles (AREA)
- Pressure Vessels And Lids Thereof (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The invention relates to a hole plug for blocking a hole provided in a plate-like member, such as a body panel of an automobile and the like.
- Conventionally, in the body panel of the automobile, holes, which are used for operation and inspection, wiring of wire harnesses and the like, attachment of members and the like, are provided. These holes are generally blocked by a resin hole plug in order to prevent water and the like from entering when they are not in use. Regarding the hole plug, various technologies have been developed for the purpose of placing workability, an improvement of water stop (waterproof) ability, or the like.
- For example, the following hole plug is well-known. The hole plug is provided with a blind hole in a center, and also includes an insertion portion wherein locking claws locked in an attachment hole are provided on a whole outer circumference, and a non-insertion portion connected to an upper end of this insertion portion. The insertion portion includes an annular arc-like groove provided on a circumferential border of the non-insertion portion, and in the arc-like groove, dividing wall portions extending along a radial direction disposed in a circumferential direction with a predetermined interval, are provided (see Patent Document 1).
- Also, for example, a hole plug comprising a head portion and a leg portion projected from a rear surface of this head portion and inserted into the hole of the plate-like member, is well-known. The leg portion is formed so as to have a tube shape by plural standing plates which are plate-like and respectively stand up from the rear surface of the head portion, and on a base end portion of each standing plate portion, an engaging step portion, which clamps a circumferential border portion of the hole of the plate-like member in cooperation with the head portion, is formed. On the inside of each standing plate portion, a supporting portion, comprising a wave-like plate material controlling flexure to the inward of a radial direction thereof, is provided (see Patent Document 2).
- Patent Document 1: Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. S61-59067 (Japan)
- Patent Document 2: Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 2004-162808 (Japan)
- However, in prior art described in the above-mentioned
Patent Document 1, the dividing wall portion provided in the arc-like groove operates as a rib, so that at a time of attachment of the hole plug, an excessive deformation of the insertion portion is prevented. Also, after the attachment, a high pullout force (retaining force for preventing the hole plug from coming out of the hole) is achieved, and there is an advantage that a water stop ability is improved by closely contacting the insertion portion with the attachment hole. However, since the above-mentioned dividing wall portion is provided in a linear fashion along a radial direction of the hole plug, the locking claw around the dividing wall portion is difficult to be deformed inwardly. Accordingly, if at a time of manufacturing the hole plug, a mold is pulled out by a force (specifically, after molding of the hole plug, while the locking claw is elastically being deformed, the locking claw is removed from the mold), in some situations, an excessive force acts on the locking claw, so that there was a problem that the locking claw might be damaged. - With regard to this point, in prior art described in the above-mentioned
Patent Document 2, since the supporting portion (which corresponds to the above-mentioned dividing wall portion) comprises the wave-like plate material, due to a spring ability of this plate material, when the mold is pulled out by a force, a flexure force heading to the inward of the radial direction can be controlled, so that there is an advantage that the locking claw is protected. However, in order to fulfill a function thereof, it is necessary for the wave-like supporting portion to be ensured so as to have a relatively large size in a longitudinal direction. Thereby, an interval between the standing plate portion and a support pillar portion also needs to be ensured widely to a degree in which the supporting portion can be housed, so that a degree of freedom of the design of the hole plug is undermined, and there was a problem that downsizing thereof was inhibited. Also, in the prior art of thePatent Document 2, the standing plate portion, closely contacting an inner circumferential surface of the hole of the plate-like member, has a structure of being disposed with plural numbers at a predetermined interval in a circumferential direction, so that there was a problem that ensuring a high water stop ability was difficult. - The present invention is made by considering the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a hole plug in which while a high pullout force is being achieved, when a molded article is demolded from the mold, a load on the locking claws can be reduced.
- In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the first invention is a hole plug (1) comprising a head portion (2), and a leg portion (3) projected from the head portion, and blocking a hole (22) provided in a plate-like member (21) by inserting the above-mentioned leg portion into the hole. The above-mentioned leg portion includes a first wall (11), a second wall (12) facing the above-mentioned first wall, a rib (15) interconnecting the above-mentioned first wall and the above-mentioned second wall, and a locking claw (14) provided on an outer circumferential surface of the above-mentioned second wall, and locked on a circumferential border of the hole when the above-mentioned leg portion is inserted into the above-mentioned hole. The above-mentioned rib is disposed corresponding to a position of the above-mentioned locking claw, and in a case of being viewed from an insertion direction of the above-mentioned leg portion, the rib is structured so as to be tilted relative to a direction heading to a center of the above-mentioned locking claw from a center of the hole plug.
- Also, as a second invention, in the case of being viewed from the insertion direction of the above-mentioned leg portion, the above-mentioned rib can be structured so as to be connected relative to the above-mentioned second wall at a position which is offset from the center of the above-mentioned locking claw.
- Also, as a third invention, the above-mentioned first wall is connected to the above-mentioned head portion at one end side thereof, and also is connected to the above-mentioned second wall at the other end side thereof. Also, the above-mentioned second wall can be structured so as to have a tube shape.
- Also, as a fourth invention, a flange portion (4), which is connected to an upper portion of the above-mentioned second wall, and abuts against the above-mentioned plate-like member when the above-mentioned leg portion is inserted into the above-mentioned hole, can be further provided.
- According to the above-mentioned first invention, the rib interconnecting the first wall and the above-mentioned second wall is provided so as to be tilted relative to the direction heading to the center of the locking claw from the center of the hole plug when the rib is viewed from the insertion direction of the leg portion. Accordingly, while a high pullout force of the hole plug is being achieved, a load on the locking claw when the hole plug is demolded from a mold can be reduced. Also, since the rib is easily elastically deformed relative to a pressing force from a locking claw side, there is an advantage that damages on the rib itself can be prevented.
- According to the above-mentioned second invention, the locking claw can be easily displaced to an inside (rib side), and loads on the locking claw and the rib when the hole plug is demolded from the mold can be reduced further effectively.
- According to the above-mentioned third invention, due to a simple structure, when the leg portion is inserted into the hole of the plate-like member, the outer circumferential surface of the second wall can be closely contacted with an inner circumferential surface of the hole, and a high water stop ability of the hole plug can be achieved.
- According to the above-mentioned fourth invention, due to the simple structure, the water stop ability of the hole plug can be enhanced further effectively.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hole plug according to the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view when the hole plug inFIG. 1 is viewed from a lower side. -
FIG. 3 is a plan view of the hole plug. -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line IV-IV inFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view showing a detailed structure of a locking claw and a rib of the hole plug.FIGS. 6(A) , 6(B) are schematic cross-sectional views showing conditions wherein the hole plug is placed in a body panel. -
FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a rough structure of a mold when the hole plug is molded. - Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to drawings. Hereinafter, unless there is a special note, the terms “upper” and “lower” showing a direction follow a
hole plug 1 shown inFIG. 4 (i.e., ahead portion 2 side is an upper side, and aleg portion 3 side is a lower side). -
FIGS. 1 and 2 are respectively perspective views wherein the hole plug according to the present invention is viewed from the upper side and the lower side;FIG. 3 is a plan view of the hole plug;FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line IV-IV inFIG. 3 ; andFIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view showing a detailed structure of a locking claw and a rib. Incidentally,FIG. 5 shows a structure in a case where the hole plug is viewed from the lower side. - As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 , thehole plug 1 is used for blocking a hole 22 (seeFIGS. 6(A) , 6(B)) provided in a body panel (plate-like member) 21 of an automobile, and comprises ahead portion 2 having a circular flat plate; aleg portion 3 projected downward from a circumferential border of thishead portion 2; and aflange portion 4 extending obliquely downward from a circumferential border of thisleg portion 3. Each of theportions 2 to 4 is integrally formed by a synthetic resin material. - As shown in
FIG. 4 , theleg portion 3 includes an inner tube (first wall) 11 connected to a lower surface of thehead portion 2; and an outer tube (second wall) 12 surrounding thisinner tube 11. Theinner tube 11 and theouter tube 12 have an approximately cylindrical shape, and lower end portions of both theinner tube 11 and theouter tube 12 are connected. Thereby, theleg portion 3 includes an approximately U-shaped cross-sectional surface, and anannular groove 13 is formed around thehead portion 2. A size of an outer diameter of theouter tube 12 is set based on a diameter of a hole wherein theleg portion 3 is inserted. Also, on an outer circumferential surface of theouter tube 12, lockingclaws 14, which are locked in a circumferential border of thehole 22 thereof when thehole plug 1 is inserted into the hole 22 (seeFIGS. 6(A) , 6(B)), are projected. Thelocking claws 14 are disposed with plural numbers (here, five) in a circumferential direction with an approximately equal interval. - Inside the
annular groove 13,ribs 15, interconnecting an outer circumferential surface of theinner tube 11 and an inner circumferential surface of theouter tube 12 are provided with plural numbers (here, five). Eachrib 15 is disposed corresponding to a position of eachlocking claw 14, and also as shown inFIG. 5 , therib 15 is connected to a rear side of a position wherein thelocking claw 14 is projected relative to theouter tube 12. In a plan view (a case of being viewed from an insertion direction of theleg portion 3 relative to the hole), in eachrib 15 extending in an approximately linear fashion between theinner tube 11 and theouter tube 12, a center line A thereof is provided in such a way as to be tilted relative to an axis line Q (a radial direction) heading to a center P of thelocking claw 14 from a center O of thehole plug 1. In the present embodiment, an angle θ showing the degree of a tilt of therib 15 is set at 45°. Also, in the plan view, a center B of eachrib 15 is connected relative to the outer tube at a position which is offset to one side of a circumferential direction from the center P of the lockingclaw 14. - As shown in
FIG. 4 , in theflange portion 4, an inner circumferential border is connected to an upper end border of theouter tube 12, and when theleg portion 3 is inserted into the hole 22 (seeFIGS. 6(A) , 6(B)) of thebody panel 21, an end portion (outer circumferential border) thereof abuts against a surface of thebody panel 21. -
FIGS. 6(A) , 6(B) are schematic cross-sectional views showing conditions wherein the hole plug is placed in the body panel. When thehole plug 1 is placed in thebody panel 21, as shown inFIG. 6(A) , a user inserts theleg portion 3 of thehole plug 1 into thehole 22 provided in thebody panel 21. In theleg portion 3, the maximum outer diameter (based on a standard of an end of the locking claw 14) of theouter tube 12 is set larger than a diameter of thehole 22. If a user inserts thehole plug 1 in the insertion direction, each lockingclaw 14 is pressed inwardly by an inner circumferential surface of thehole 22. Thereby, in theleg portion 3, a lower portion side thereof is elastically deformed, and displaced to the inside, so that theleg portion 3 is inserted into thehole 22. - In this case, the
rib 15 supporting the lockingclaw 14 from the rear side (inside) is provided so as to be tilted relative to the radial direction, so that when the locking claw is pressed, therib 15 is easily elastically deformed. Thereby, even in a case where a width (distance between theinner tube 11 and the outer tube 12) of theannular groove 13 is relatively small, a necessary displacement amount of the leg portion 3 (the lockingclaw 14 and a surrounding portion thereof) can be ensured. Moreover, since therib 15 is connected relative to theouter tube 12 at a position which is offset from a center of the lockingclaw 14, as shown inFIG. 5 , a predetermined clearance (an area G where therib 15 does not exist) is formed inside theannular groove 13 of the rear side of the lockingclaw 14 so as to be capable of ensuring further large displacement amounts of the lockingclaw 14 and the surrounding portion thereof. - When the
leg portion 3 is inserted up to a predetermined position and the placement of thehole plug 1 is completed, as shown inFIG. 6(B) , theleg portion 3 returns to an approximately original state from a deformation state ofFIG. 6(A) , and comes to a state wherein the lockingclaw 14 is locked in a circumferential border portion (here, anend face 21 a of the body panel 21) of thehole 22. At this time, due to an elastic returning force of therib 15, the outer circumferential surface of theouter tube 12 bumps into the inner circumferential surface of thehole 22. Thereby, a user can obtain an excellent control quality, so that placing workability improves, and also, a high pullout force is achieved. Also, at this time, theouter tube 12 comes to a state wherein the outer circumferential surface of theouter tube 12 is firmly attached to the inner circumferential surface of thehole 22, so that an excellent water stop ability can be obtained. As shown inFIG. 4 , thickness of theinner tube 11 is set relatively large, and the thickness of theouter tube 12 is set relatively small. Thereby, due to theouter tube 12 which can be easily deformed, an attaching ability relative to thehole 22 can be enhanced, and also due to theinner tube 11 which is difficult to be deformed, the lockingclaw 14 can be stably supported by therib 15. - Also, in a placement completed state shown in
FIG. 6(B) , an end portion of theflange portion 4 abuts against anupper surface 21 b of thebody panel 21, so that thebody panel 21 is in a state of being clamped between theflange portion 4 and the lockingclaw 14. Thereby, a placement state relative to thebody panel 21 of thehole plug 1 is stably retained. As shown inFIG. 4 , theflange portion 4 includes a cross-sectional surface whose end becomes thin toward the outside, so that an end (free end) side thereof easily deforms elastically along theupper surface 21 b of thebody panel 21. Thereby, a contacting area with theupper surface 21 b increases, so that a high attaching ability (i.e., water stop ability) can be obtained. -
FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a rough structure of a mold when the hole plug is molded. The hole plug is integrally formed by injecting well-known thermoplastic resin (polyethylene and the like) into the inside of a cavity C of amold 31 in accordance with a well-known method. As mentioned above, the hole plug is structured such that the rib is tilted relative to the radial direction, so that when a molded article thereof is demolded from themold 31 by force, the locking claw in the outer tube and the surrounding portion thereof are easily displaced to the inside, and a load (shear force and the like) wherein the locking claw receives is reduced. Thereby, damages on the locking claw at a molding time can be prevented. Also, since the rib is easily elastically deformed relative to a pressing force from a locking claw side, damages on the rib itself can be prevented. In this case, as mentioned above, the rib is constituted so as to be connected relative to the outer tube at the position which is offset from the center of the locking claw, so that at a time of being pulled out by force, the further large displacement amounts of the locking claw and the surrounding portion thereof can be ensured. Accordingly, there is an advantage that a load in which the locking claw and the rib receive is effectively reduced. - Incidentally, a damage preventing effect of the locking claw at the above-mentioned time of being demolded from the mold is obtained in the same manner even when the hole plug, which has been once placed in the hole of the body panel, is removed. Specifically, there is an advantage that the hole plug with the above-mentioned structure can maintain an excellent placing ability even when the hole plug is reused (a locking force never decline due to the damages on the locking claw and the like).
- Although the present invention has been explained in detail based on a specific embodiment, the embodiment is only an illustrated example and is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. For example, as long as the rib of the hole plug according to the present invention is tilted at least relative to the direction heading to the center of the locking claw from the center of the hole plug, the other shapes, numerical quantities, dispositions and the like can be variously modified. Also, two walls (the
inner tube 11 and theouter tube 12 in the embodiment) wherein the rib interconnects are not necessarily required to be a tube shape. Also, in the hole plug according to the present invention, a placing subject is not limited to the hole on the above-mentioned body panel, and can be a hole provided in an optional plate-like member. In the above-mentioned embodiment, the circumferential border portion of the hole where the locking claw is locked includes an L-shaped cross-sectional surface. However, plate thickness of the body panel may be structured so as to be increased to a degree in which the locking claw can be locked. -
-
- 1
Hole plug 2Head portion 3Leg portion 4Flange portion 11 Inner tube (first wall) 12 Outer tube (second wall) 13Annular groove 14Locking claw 15Rib 21 Body panel (plate-like member) 22Hole 31 Mold
- 1
Claims (4)
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2008261574A JP5243914B2 (en) | 2008-10-08 | 2008-10-08 | Hole plug |
JP2008-261574 | 2008-10-08 | ||
PCT/JP2009/005201 WO2010041435A1 (en) | 2008-10-08 | 2009-10-07 | Hole plug |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20110233950A1 true US20110233950A1 (en) | 2011-09-29 |
US8371789B2 US8371789B2 (en) | 2013-02-12 |
Family
ID=42100397
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/998,290 Active 2030-01-26 US8371789B2 (en) | 2008-10-08 | 2009-10-07 | Hole plug |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US8371789B2 (en) |
JP (1) | JP5243914B2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN101712339B (en) |
GB (1) | GB2480903B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2010041435A1 (en) |
Cited By (7)
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US20140319160A1 (en) * | 2011-11-16 | 2014-10-30 | Nifco Inc. | Hole plug |
US8919606B2 (en) | 2010-09-03 | 2014-12-30 | Nifco Inc. | Hole plug |
US20150362073A1 (en) * | 2013-01-09 | 2015-12-17 | Nifco Inc. | Hole plug |
US20160264186A1 (en) * | 2013-10-24 | 2016-09-15 | Nifco Inc. | Hole plug |
EP3578858A4 (en) * | 2017-02-01 | 2020-11-11 | Nifco Inc. | Hole plug |
US11472487B2 (en) * | 2020-03-16 | 2022-10-18 | Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha | Vehicle body |
US20220381343A1 (en) * | 2021-05-31 | 2022-12-01 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Sealing Plug |
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WO2011133374A1 (en) * | 2010-04-20 | 2011-10-27 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Hole plug assembly |
US9812684B2 (en) | 2010-11-09 | 2017-11-07 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Using elastic averaging for alignment of battery stack, fuel cell stack, or other vehicle assembly |
US8695201B2 (en) * | 2011-07-21 | 2014-04-15 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Elastic tube alignment system for precisely locating components |
PL2748510T3 (en) * | 2011-08-23 | 2017-08-31 | Sfc Koenig Ag | Closure element for bores subjected to internal pressure |
US9045932B2 (en) * | 2012-04-05 | 2015-06-02 | Allied Moulded Products, Inc. | Hole seal |
JP6067390B2 (en) * | 2013-01-28 | 2017-01-25 | 株式会社ニフコ | Hole plug |
US9863454B2 (en) | 2013-08-07 | 2018-01-09 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Alignment system for providing precise alignment and retention of components of a sealable compartment |
US9511802B2 (en) | 2013-10-03 | 2016-12-06 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Elastically averaged alignment systems and methods |
US9669774B2 (en) | 2013-10-11 | 2017-06-06 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Reconfigurable vehicle interior assembly |
DE102013112629A1 (en) * | 2013-11-15 | 2015-05-21 | Trw Automotive Electronics & Components Gmbh | sealing plug |
US9481202B2 (en) * | 2014-01-31 | 2016-11-01 | Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. | Plug for a tubeless bicycle wheel |
US9657807B2 (en) | 2014-04-23 | 2017-05-23 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | System for elastically averaging assembly of components |
US9758110B2 (en) | 2015-01-12 | 2017-09-12 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Coupling system |
JP6533110B2 (en) * | 2015-07-14 | 2019-06-19 | 日立オムロンターミナルソリューションズ株式会社 | Hole cap |
KR20210076498A (en) | 2019-12-16 | 2021-06-24 | 현대자동차주식회사 | One-way plug |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB2480903B (en) | 2012-09-19 |
US8371789B2 (en) | 2013-02-12 |
GB201106329D0 (en) | 2011-06-01 |
CN101712339B (en) | 2013-09-04 |
WO2010041435A1 (en) | 2010-04-15 |
JP2010090991A (en) | 2010-04-22 |
JP5243914B2 (en) | 2013-07-24 |
CN101712339A (en) | 2010-05-26 |
GB2480903A (en) | 2011-12-07 |
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